The Foreign Exchange

A Novel (Mambo Reina, Book 2)

By: Veronica G. Henry

Narrated by: Robin Miles

A Vodou priestess turned amateur sleuth investigating a ritual murder is embroiled in an insidious case of corruption that reaches beyond the shadows of New Orleans.

After solving a crime blamed on Vodou in New Orleans’s French Quarter, Vodou priestess turned amateur detective Reina Dumond has returned to her benevolent work as a healer. But when her friend and enigmatic client Evangeline “Vangie” Stiles comes to her for a spell, Mambo Reina quickly realizes what Vangie really needs is a sleuth.

Something is amiss in the Stileses’ marriage. Five thousand dollars has inexplicably appeared in the bank account Vangie shares with her scam-artist husband, Arthur, and she smells trouble. So does Reina. Especially when her investigation into Arthur’s likely new con leads to murder. Considering the manner of death and the signs on the victim’s body, Reina recognizes it for what it is: ritual magic of the vodouisant kind.

As Reina digs deeper, she encounters a conspiracy exploiting vulnerable youth—one of whom may have abilities just like hers. With the help of her friends Darryl and Tyka, Reina must hone her ever-evolving skills to uncover a mystery that reaches further than she imagined.

©2023 Veronica G. Henry (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Robin Miles enchants as she introduces New Orleans Mambo (Priestess) Reina Dumond, who practices Vodou, Haitian-African magic. Listeners meet kindhearted Mambo and her close friends, 20-something wrestler Tyka and talkative chef Darryl.… This is an energetically rendered mystery-fantasy with mouthy, gutsy Tyka being the standout. Miles's feisty Mambo uses her ingenuity and clever magic (explanations are riveting) to uncover the city's dark underworld. Heartbreaking Katrina memories and fascinating lore add realism as Mambo uncovers a real estate scam and learns that African boys are being secretly "recruited" for the NBA. Mambo's thwarted cooking attempts provide humor…. Miles's narration is delightful.” —AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award Winner

“Urban fantasy fans will be drawn in by the vibrant NOLA setting and the charming cast.” —Publishers Weekly

“This engaging exploration of New Orleans and voodoo traditions is a delightful read.” —Booklist

awesome

Well worth your time reading. Written well and story flows nicely. Keeps you in suspense. Be sure read book one which leads perfectly into this book. So, glad I found this series.

The Narrative of voodoo rituals. The twists and turns, try to figure out what's next. Just couldn't put it down

The sudden ending. Where's book three please, please don't keep me hanging!!!!. Is the author going to complete the series?

Exciting!

Can't wait for the next book! Great and interesting storyline. Perfect choice of narrator. I'm hooked.

The storytelling.

I love the setting. when the story ends, it's hard to pull myself out of a place the I felt like I've been living in.

Another great listen!!

Great story, wonderful narrator!!
Can't wait till the next one.
I will devour the next book.